JEDDAH — Keen contests were the order of the day in the Air Arabia/ Al Kabeer IISJAA Cricket Tournament 2, which started off with a brief opening ceremony at Numoor Ground. Seven teams are participating in the 4-week ICT, in its second edition, in a league format.

The opening ceremony started off with the recitation of verse from the Holy Qur’an by Abdul Haleem (Kashif), IISJAA) followed by introduction of the event, chief guests, teams and sponsor by Nabeel Shaikh (IISJAA treasurer). The gathering was welcomed by Suhail Mehdi (ISJAA president) where he spoke about popular appeal of cricket amongst alumni. Syed Maqdoom Ali (IISJAA vice president) thanked all for contributing their time and energies in ensuring the success of the group’s key objective — bringing alumni of IISJ together under one banner.

Chief Guest Nizam Ali Khan, former IISJ teaher, was felicitated with a plaque of appreciation for his immense contribution to the development of the alumni's overall personality during their schooldays. Nadir Hameed (IISJAA Excom) recalled the tome when Nizam Sir accompanied the school athletic team to Jamshedpur, Jharkhand, in the CBSE National Athletic event. He also captained the IISJ team in the erstwhile Jeddah Cricket League which consisted of students and teachers.

The ceremonial opening shot was made by him and Shaikh Ubaidullah (Al Kabeer branch manager –– Western Region) while Ayman bin Mahfouz (Air Arabia, airport manager) bowled the opening ball. Obaid Khan (Air Arabia – Western Province nanager) praised IISJAA for bring back memories and giving a common platform for Indians from all regions.

Results:

First Match – Expendables vs. Athletic Alliance. Result - Expendables won by 59 runs. Notable Performance: Expendables - Mustafa Samiudduin 30 (17), Farhan Mehmood 15 (8), Syed Mushtaq 28 (17) & Olyan Basith 27(16), Omer Saleem (5/24). Athletic Alliance – Nazeer Farouqi, Shujath, Qudrath 26(17). Man of the Match – Omer Saleem (5/24).

Second Match – 1750 CC vs. Jeddah Knightriders. Result – 1750 CC won by 34 Runs. Notable Performance: 1750 CC - Mohammed Zamaan 56* (18). Man of the Match – Mohammed Zamaan.

Third Match – Jeddah Chargers vs. Masti ki Alumni Riders. Result – Jeddah Chargers won by 62 Runs. Notable Performance: Jeddah Chargers - Murtaza Kamal 62(28). Man of the Match – Murtuza Kamal.

Fourth Match – Al Shaya Titans vs. Jeddah Knightriders. Result – Al Shaya Titans won by 82 Runs. Notable Performance: Al Shaya Titans - Saad Malik 50(16), Amjad Hasan 47(21), Fawaz Rizvi 40(19) and Abdullah Joushy 45(15). Man of the Match – Saad Malik.

Fifth Match – 1750 CC vs. Expendables. Result – Expendables won by 5 Wickets. Notable Performance: 1750 CC Team - Zamaan Ahmed 50(18), Saeid Khan (4 wickets). Expendables Team - Ahmed Samiuddin – 71 runs(33), Olyan Basith hits a last ball sixer to win the match. Man of the Match – Ahmed Samiuddin.

Sixth Match – Jeddah Knightriders vs. Jeddah Chargers. Result – Jeddah Chargers won by 7 wickets. Notable Performance: Jeddah Chargers - Murtuza Kamal 34(20), Shabab Shaikh 28 (17) and Hashim Ahmed 29 (10) and 3 wickets.Man of the Match – Hashim Ahmed

Seventh Match – Athletic Alliance vs. 1750 CC. Result – Athletic Alliance won by 42 runs. Notable Performance: Athletic Alliance - Nazeer Farouqi - 70(26). Man of the Match – Nazeer Farouqi.

Eight Match – Al Shaya Titans vs. Masti ki Alumni Riders. Result – Al Shaya won by 45 runs. Notable Performance: Al Shaya - Saad Malik - 102(42). Masti ki Alumni Riders – Atif Khan – 44(29). Man of the Match – Saad Malik

The enthusiastic crowds enjoyed all matches and cheered for their favorite teams. “Every team is deserving and is here to win the prestigious title,” said Nabeel.

The tournament is sponsored by Air Arabia/Al Kabeer and co-sponsored by SMS Solutions, Giordano, Hauleewood Diaries, Tea Point and Asian Clinic. The League is planned and organized by the IISJAA Executive Committee (Nabeel Shaikh, Nadir Hameed, Suhail Mehdi, Syed Maqdoom, Ameen Uzzaman, Zubair Siddiqui, Muzammil Hashmi, Sabah Noureen, Rayeesa Fatima) with the support from Amjad Hasan, Mohammed Suhail and Minhaj Ahmed. — SG